On March 16, the Idaho Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus and the Idaho Sportsmen’s Alliance co-hosted a legislative reception in downtown Boise, Idaho, for a celebration of the state’s hunting and angling traditions.
In addition to the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF), representatives from a wide range of sportsmen’s groups were in attendance, including Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Idaho Hunter Education Association, Idaho Wildlife Federation, National Wild Turkey Federation, Pheasants Forever, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and Trout Unlimited, among others. Other attendees included Lieutenant Governor Brad Little and representatives from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Idaho Fish and Game Commission, and the office of Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus Co-Chair Senator Jim Risch (ID).
Idaho Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus Co-Chair Sen. Lee Heider remarked, “I am proud to once again host the annual reception in Boise. Hunters and anglers are at the forefront of conservation in our state, and provide a tremendous boost to our state’s economy.”
Fellow Caucus Co-Chair Representative Mat Erpelding noted, “It is critical for the future of our outdoor pastimes that legislators maintain an ongoing constructive dialogue with our sportsmen and women, ensuring that sportsmen’s priorities, such as House Bill 230, the Idaho Fish and Game fee lock proposal, are being addressed.”
President of the Idaho Sportsmen’s Alliance Larry Fry further added, “The Idaho Sportsmen’s Alliance is glad to once again partner with the Idaho Sportsmen’s Caucus to host our annual reception, and we look forward to continuing to help provide them with information and education on issues affecting our sportsmen’s heritage.”
Sponsors of this year’s reception included the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Idaho Sportsmen’s Alliance, Pheasants Forever, and Reynolds American.
Studies conducted at both the state and federal level have found that the number of hunters and trappers have been on a generally declining trend over the past several decades. To increase recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) of hunters and trappers, which initiative do you think would have the greatest impact?
